Ft. Greene to Philadelphia: Neighborhood Recs
Hi Brownstoners! I’m hoping you can give us some guidance. My husband and I are moving to Philadelphia for a teaching job. We are very sad to leave our neighborhood, but a paycheck is a paycheck, so Philadelphia it is! My school is in West Philly, Cobbs Creek, and we want to live either on…
Hi Brownstoners!
I’m hoping you can give us some guidance. My husband and I are moving to Philadelphia for a teaching job. We are very sad to leave our neighborhood, but a paycheck is a paycheck, so Philadelphia it is!
My school is in West Philly, Cobbs Creek, and we want to live either on a train/subway line or be within an easy commute of the school. In other words, if we’re not on a train line, we don’t want to live on the other side of the city and drive.
We are looking to rent an entire row house or a 2-3 bdrm 1 bath apt that has an outdoor space and W/D. The outdoor space and W/D are deal breakers. Rent below $2000.
1. What are some comparable row house-type neighborhoods that are comparable to Ft. Greene, Park Slope, Prospect Heights?
I know about Rittenhouse Square and it looks really expensive, so I think that is out. University City looks nice on the internet.
2. We’d love a neighborhood that has a small main street or downtown area similar to Dekalb or Fulton in Ft. Greene.
3. How is the public transportation in Philadelphia?
Any information you have is appreciated. Thank you!
“When you say that it’s inefficient, do you mean that the trains etc. don’t run very often or that they’re slow?”
I just mean that it is not the same kind of comprehensive network we are used to in nyc, and certain areas are really under-served. Sometimes, it is just not possible to get where you are going via public transportation.
Things do run less often, but rush hour is probably ok. Late nights and weekends are ridiculous, though.
DogFace: I’ll definitely check out the blog. Thank you!
D_Luxx: Thanks for the insight on West Philly. I think we’re going to look in and around University City because it looks like it would be an easy commute to my school both via trolley and/or car.
I’ve been studying Google Maps and Septa to see where the subway-type lines, commuter rail, trolleys, and bus stops are marked. When you say that it’s inefficient, do you mean that the trains etc. don’t run very often or that they’re slow? I’m just trying to get a better idea of the public transit options. If it really sucks and is unreliable, then that’s something to consider. I was in Philadelphia last week and the traffic was pretty bad, so I’m trying to avoid a lengthy and unpleasant car commute.
The use of the phrase “near a subway line” leads me to believe that you have not had a chance to do much research yet. The public transportation system in Philadelphia does exist, but its expensive and inefficient compared to nyc. Most people drive.
You may be able to find most of what you are looking for in West Philadelphia (adjacent to, but not in University City specifically) which is very nice, somewhat similar to Fort Greene, and is affordable, but the amenities will not be similar to Dekalb Ave. There will be less stuff, and it will be more spread out. The area right around the U of Penn campus will have much more action but cost more. Rittenhouse square is in Center City and is very expensive, but will also put you closer to more public transportation options, as well putting you right downtown.
You might want to also check out Manayunk, but I’m not sure if that will work for your commute.
theres a great blog called “casacara, old houses for fun and profit” she owns houses in both phila and brooklyn, i’d find her blog and send her a message with questions about the city.
i can give you info but don’t want to type all the answers because i am lazy and doing work. email me thatwasmyidea (at) gmail (dot) com and i will give you my number